February 21, 2012 - Tuesday of Quinquagesima

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Job 16:1-22; John 7:1-13

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends … For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8, 12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The problem with people is that they are so often too near-sighted — not in an optical sense, but about their future. St. Paul identifies that near-sightedness when he says "we see in a mirror dimly."

In his day, mirrors were pieces of polished bronze, nowhere near as sharp or clear as modern mirrors. If you have ever used a polished metal mirror, you know what St. Paul means — you can' t see your reflection as well as you' d like, so you' ll never be quite sure if you got that piece of broccoli out from between your teeth.

So it is with your faith and hope. No matter how much you want to know what the future holds, and what your future with Jesus will look like, you only have a vague idea — a faint reflection given in God' s Word.

But just like modern glass mirrors, the truth will shine in sharp, distinct lines on the Last Day. It will be clear and unclouded, and there will be no question about its beauty and glory.

Love IS the greatest in the triumvirate of faith, hope, and love. Love is that which assures you even now that, though the future is clouded, it' s certainty remains.

You only need to look at the cross of Christ to see that love in action, that love working for you and for your salvation. How does God love the world? How does He love YOU? He loves you in this way: His Son accepts your punishment, dies your death, and raises you to life again. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

In the day this world is fading Faith and hope will play their part; But when Christ is seen in glory Love shall reign in ev' ry heart: May love be ours, O Lord. (LSB 695:4)

Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.

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